Lawn Shock

As I drove closer to my house tonight, my jaw smacked the steering wheel. There by the curb, sat gi-normous leaf filled sacks, plus fallen branches I had gathered and stashed in another part of my yard. My plan was to put them by the curb tonight for tomorrow's Trash Day. Well, I got beat to that, along with my yard being mowed.

It's February 1.

I thought my grass had not grown much, if at all. Last year the guys started to mow again in March. Hence, today was quite the surprise. A nice one.

With a couple dandylions sprouted in my back yard along with robins hoppin' and boppin with mourning doves, the pigeons--which I swear, are the same ones from last year--and starlings chow the cat food I set out for the neighborhood cats--Spring must not be too far away.

It's February 1.

And I love it.

Monday Marvel

My Cousin Sussers was to be released from the hospital today. Will call her tonight just to make she's following the doctor's orders.

Saw my first robin today. I smiled. I could hear my Daddy, up in Heaven, whisper in my ear, "See your first robin, Spring is not far behind." Heard him tell me that so many years. I miss my Daddy. And I can hear him say, "You big baby." And I would respond with, "Yes I am. I'm your baby. No matter how old I get." Then Daddy would chew on his King Edward cigar.

The marvel of cleaning out litter boxes and to put trash by the curb. It's such a chore. And the one time, I really wish a man was here full time to do the trash thing. Then my mind wanders to after I had my mitral valve replacement surgery and my first full shower after. I ran out of breath just as I dried myself. I had to sit down. I about collapsed getting to the chair.

Panic. Would I always need to stop and catch my breath? For anything--even as simple as drying off?

When I mutter about the trash I should remember how it was in 2006, and how it is now.

I'll take now. Quite the Monday Marvel.

I am blessed.